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V17 Thread



Job Hunting

- Job hunting is more difficult now thanks to the Fair Consideration Framework but still possible.
- Popular Job Search Sites: JobStreet, Monster, eFinancialCareers

Employment

- There are 4 types of Work Passes for foreigners in SG: WP, S-Pass, EP and PEP. Visit MOM website for more information on these passes.
- The company hiring you has to initiate all the formalities for you so no need to worry too much on what type of pass or how to apply for it.
- Note that different types of work pass have different rights, benefits & restrictions.

CPF and Income Tax

- If you work 183 days or more in a calendar year you are a tax resident and pay the same progressive tax rates as locals.
- If you work less than 183 days you are not a tax resident and pay flat 15% tax or progressive tax rates as locals (whichever is higher). However the following year if your employment spills over into exceeding 183 days you can request IRAS to re-assess you as a tax resident and refund you the difference in tax paid.
- Visit IRAS website for more information on taxes.
- CPF (equivalent of our EPF) is only mandatory for PR's and SC's (Singapore Citizens) at 16% Employee, 20% Employer, capped at first $5k per month.
- Some companies will encash the employer portion for foreigners.
- Visit CPF Website for more information on CPF.

Permanent Residence

- ICA does not have any official guidelines for PR approval (or any points system like Australia/NZ).
- Previously most agencies recommend applying for PR after 1 year if you are on P1 EP, 2 years or more if you are on P2/Q1 EP.
- Visit ICA website for more information on applying for PR.

Accomodation in Singapore

- Accomodation $600-$100 (room) $2000-$3000 (entire flat)
- Typical costs are 1st month rental + 1 month deposit (for each year of the lease) + 1/2 month agent fee (for each year of the lease).
- Foreigners can only own Private Condominiums and are subject to ~18% stamp duty. PR's can own Private Condominiums and Resale HDB's are and subject to ~8% stamp duty.
- Popular room/house search websites: PropertyGuru, FlatsDB, RoomsDB, EasyRoomMate.

Accomodation in Johor

- Foreigners on Work Pass living in Malaysia and commuting to SG can drive MY-registered cars and bikes. Cars incur $35 and bikes incur $4 VEP/daily.
- PR's and SC's living in Malaysia and commuting to SG can only drive SG-registered cars and bikes into the island.
- Visit LTA website for more information on operating a car in SG as a foreigner.

Driving in Singapore

- Foreigners on Work Pass are allowed to drive in Singapore for the first year only using Malaysian Drivers License. For second year onwards you are expected to convert to Singapore license.
- Visit eCitizen site for more information on converting your license.
- Note that foreigners on work pass are only allowed to drive Malaysia-registered cars if you stay outside Singapore. Visit LTA site for more information.

Expenses

This is very subjective depending on the spending power of different individuals. Basic monthly expenditure:
- Accomodation up to $600-$1000 (room) $2000-$3000 (entire flat)
- Food $500 and up
- Transport $60 and up
- Handphone, bills and utilities $100 and up
- Entertainment, shopping etc $xxxx

Newbies who are interested in joining our Whatsapp group and future gathering or makan/yumcha session, pm one the following;
Lester1987 argiope mackiddo washabushi. Please ensure you have a valid Whatsapp account.

Kindly include your name (with surname), phone number (Sg number only), age, gender, work location.
We do organize meetups from time to time.

This post has been edited by Mackiddo: Jun 18 2016, 04:44 PM

These 4 are the heavenly kings of Singapore. Shining knight coming to the rescue when you first land in Singapore. Can't thank them enuff for their care in Singapore.

Lipoting in.

Hello.

I just went for thumbprint at MOM this evening.

Just want to check with taikos here.

If without the physical EP card can we open bank account and subscribe with mobile line?

Checking in. =)

Checking in, still job searching, no result yet. If still no result soon then I might start taking local job in Malaysia instead. Sigh

i did mine without the card for the bank as the bank said our malaysian ic can, the mobile line i waited for my card to get a postpaid line w singtel

Harlo. Kuli reporting in

bangla + 1

Welcome to SG!

Bank account I think it depends on which bank. I opened mine @ DBS with just the IPA letter.
Mobile wise, M1 requires the physical EP.

at last after so long

Maid +1 reporting.

For Singtel, they need passport only

Congrats on new thread...

silent member lipoting in

OCBC doesn't take IPA, valid card required.

+1, and with proof of address

bangla reporting in~
any bangla like running?
looking for running buddy

And they DON'T accept housing board registration confirmation, only bills

I know there's running group gather at MBS every Wednesday evening